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Galveston Hurricane
The deadliest natural disaster in US history at the time. 6,000 - 8,000 people were killed; an estimated 20% of the island's population. -
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World War I
In 1917, the US officially entered WWI where millions of Americans fought overseas. -
Stock Market Crash
After Herbert Hoover was inaugurated, the stock market crashed. This led to the Great Depression, or the country's greatest economic downfall in history. -
Star Spangled Banner became National Anthem
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Fair Labor Standards Act is passed
Through this, the US sets its first federal minimum wage - 25 cents. -
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World War II
The US stayed neutral for the first two years of war, until the Attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1941, the US declared war on Imperial Japan. -
"Explorer I" is Launched
First American satellite is launched. -
Alaska and Hawaii become States
Alaska is the 49th state (Jan. 3rd), and Hawaii is the 50th state (Aug. 21). -
MLK Jr. Delivers "I Have a Dream" Speech
This is delivered in front of a crowd of 200,000 people during the Civil Rights March in Washington DC. -
President JFK is Assassinated
JFK is shot in Dallas, Texas. -
Roe v. Wade Legalizes Abortion in First Trimester
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Space Shuttle "Challenger" Explodes After Liftoff
Explosion occurred 73 seconds after liftoff. All 7 crew members onboard were killed. -
Bombing in Oklahoma
A federal office building in Oklahoma City kills 168 people. This is the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in US history. Now a beautiful memorial is built in its place to honor the lives of the victims.